Emmanuel Macron leaves his mark on Donald Trump with white-knuckle handshake at G7

It wasn’t quite the 25-second gripper of their encounter during Donald Trump's Bastille Day visit to Paris.

But Emmanuel Macron, the French president, still managed to leave finger marks on his counterpart during what was no doubt an awkward meeting with the American leader at the G7 summit in Canada on Friday evening.

Mr Macon went in first for the arm, gripping Mr Trump above the elbow.

First the elbow gripCredit: AFP

He then proffered his hand palm up for a handshake.

Hey, look at meCredit: Reuters

“He’s my friend,” said Mr Trump, finally taking the hint. “We’ve had a great relationship right from the beginning.”

OK, let's do thisCredit: AFP

Seconds passed as they pumped hands. “Right from the beginning,” added Mr Trump, this time slightly less certain of himself. Or possibly counting to "eight Mississippi" in his head.

Grimace for the camerasCredit: AFP

But Mr Macron was not letting go. He pulled Mr Trump’s hand towards him, forcing the US president to make the first move to break it off.

Can I have my hand back?Credit: Reuters

A photograph snapped seconds later revealed the result: The French leader had gripped so hard his fingers left white marks on Mr Trump’s skin.

You can let go now. Oh you have.Credit: Reuters

The two leaders bonded last year after Mr Macron invited Mr Trump to Paris for that Bastille Day military parade, capped by the historically emphatic handshake. Mr Trump returned the honour, inviting his counterpart for a state visit in April.